Autonomous satellite test center in Dresden gears up for European-wide operations
In the realm of space exploration, a groundbreaking project is underway at the Technical University of Dresden. The RASP ("Residual Atmosphere Simulator") project, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to fill a crucial gap in global satellite technology and research.
The RASP project is part of the ARTES programme and is spearheaded by Prof. Martin Tajmar, holder of the Chair of Spacecraft Systems at the university. The goal is to develop a wind tunnel that simulates the conditions in very low Earth orbit, where satellites face the challenge of braking due to the residual atmosphere.
Every day, satellites orbit our blue planet but rarely get closer than 250 kilometers to the Earth. At these heights, satellites require a large amount of fuel to compensate for the loss of speed. However, at lower orbit heights, communication is more efficient, Earth observation satellites can take pictures with higher resolution, and space debris is reduced.
The RASP project, scheduled to last 2.5 years, addresses these challenges by providing a realistic test bed for satellite testing. The project's development is significant as it could revolutionize satellite technology, making satellites virtually unrestricted in their use.
One of the key advantages of lower orbit heights is the quick braking and burning up of debris in the atmosphere. This aspect is crucial for the sustainability and safety of space operations.
The wind tunnel aims to test a new generation of satellites that use ambient air as fuel for propulsion. This technology could lead to more sustainable and efficient satellite propulsion systems, contributing to the further development of space technology.
Suitable test beds have been lacking in the aerospace sector to simulate the conditions in the Earth's vicinity realistically. The RASP project, therefore, makes a significant contribution to overcoming this challenge.
While the names of the researchers involved in the RASP project at the Chair of Spacecraft Systems at the Technical University of Dresden were not available in the search results, their work is undoubtedly paving the way for a future where satellites can operate more efficiently and sustainably.
